I spent my first 10 years in the pre-Vatican church. Eventually, I wandered far from home, ...(sinning extravagantly)... and yet never quite losing my 'Catholic accent'. Today I consider myself a prodigal Catholic. I think of the Church as my mother, and I see no advantage in an alternative Christian vision that would render me a 'motherless child.' I love being home again. I mention this by way of introduction because one's background invariably influences one's thinking.